Plan-it Somerset

Planning policy news

Issue 1 - Autumn 2023

Welcome

Welcome to the first edition of our Plan-it Somerset newsletter, covering planning policy related news, planning policy consultations and Local Plan updates for the new Somerset Council.

You're receiving this newsletter as you've previously requested to be kept informed of planning policy updates or consultations with one of the previous councils which Somerset Council has now replaced.

Future editions of this newsletter will cover topics relating to:

• the new Local Plan for Somerset;
• the Mendip Local Plan;
• Neighbourhood Plans;
• the Local Development Scheme; and
• the Statement of Community Involvement.

If you don’t wish to receive these in future, you can choose to opt out.

To get in touch with us, please email localplanningpolicy@somerset.gov.uk.

Consultations

Creating places for people

We're urging residents and businesses to help shape the future of Somerset by having their say on how best to create places that put people at the heart of its design.

We're launching a public consultation on a set of outline “principles” that are designed to steer new development in Somerset. These should guide developers towards creating attractive and high-quality environments, but also inclusive and accessible places for all, regardless of age, gender, mobility, or background, where people enjoy living.

The principles should lead to high quality development and offer substantial benefit to people in Somerset by:

• improving air quality;
• reducing carbon footprints;
• creating safe and easy access to schools; and
• places that are more resilient to the impacts of climate change while protecting and enhancing nature and wildlife.

Creating connected, safe and healthy places will also help to improve quality of life and wellbeing.

What do you want to see from new development?

What makes a high quality place? Which benefits matter most to you? How can we best ensure that new development enables people to realise these benefits?

The consultation launches today (4 September) and will run for six weeks until 16 October. To have your say:

Paper copies containing further information and the online survey questions will also be available at the following locations:

• Bridgwater House, Bridgwater, TA6 3AR (Monday to Friday, 8.45am to 5pm)
• Council Offices, Cannard’s Grave Road, Shepton Mallet, BA4 5BT (Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm)
• Petters Way Council Offices, Yeovil, BA20 1AS (Monday to Tuesday and Thursday to Friday 9am to 4pm; first Wednesday of the month 11am to 4pm; and every other Wednesday, 9am to 4pm)
• Deane House, Belvedere Road, Taunton, TA1 1HE (Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm)
• West Somerset House, 20 Fore Street, Williton, TA4 4QA (Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm)
• County Hall, Taunton, TA1 4DY (Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm; Saturday 9am to 4pm)
• Libraries including: Taunton, Minehead, Frome, Bridgwater, Yeovil and Glastonbury

Alternatively, you can respond by emailing localplanningpolicy@somerset.gov.uk or by posting a response to:

Planning Policy
Somerset Council
County Hall
Taunton
Somerset
TA1 4DY

These principles will inform the development of our new Local Transport Plan, new Local Plan, and our overall approach to transport planning, development management (consideration of planning proposals) and other relevant policies and plans.

We're keen to hear from as many people as possible – individuals, community and voluntary groups, businesses, transport providers, landowners, and city, town and parish councils, as well as developers and their agents. This will help us to understand whether we're on the right track.